• In the capital, Banjul, visit the National Museum, which has some interesting ethnographic displays, then admire the colonial architecture in the area near July 22nd Square and climb to the top of Arch 22 for great views over the city.

• Visit the lively urban markets where Gambians shop for vegetables, spices, fish, clothing, fabric and household goods: Banjul's Albert Market and the sprawling commercial heart of the busy town of Serrekunda are particularly colourful places to browse.

• Hire a small boat to explore the mangrove creeks (known locally as bolons) of the Tanbi Wetlands near the mouth of the River Gambia, or the Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve in central Gambia. These are world-class areas for birdwatching.

• Upriver from Banjul, explore Gambian colonial history by visiting the Exhibition of the Slave Trade at Albreda/Jufureh, twin villages that were made famous by Alex Haley's novel Roots, then cross to James Island, mid-river, to see its ruined fort. 

• In eastern Gambia, catch sight of the fascinating circles of standing stones around Wassu. Their origin is shrouded in mystery but they are thought to mark prehistoric burial grounds.

• Enjoy the beautiful mid-river location of Janjanbureh Island in eastern Gambia, an excellent spot to unwind in an unspoilt rustic environment, with plenty of good places to walk or birdwatch in the vicinity.

• Walk through the tropical forest of the Abuko Nature Reserve, which is within easy reach of the main resort areas and has crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles and a host of bird species. It is best early in the morning. 

• At Makasutu Culture Forest, join a tour of the beautiful forest park, learning about local medicinal plants and woodland fauna, then take a boat trip by dugout canoe and enjoy a spirited display of local-style music and dance. 

• Meet a friendly croc at the Katchikali Crocodile Pool, a site sacred to the Mandinka tribe in the coastal village of Bakau. Ancient fertility rites are sometimes held here.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.